The Lemon Index
414Lemon Index (100 = average car)
232complaints per 100,000 sold
154without driver-assist complaints
34,986sold in the U.S., 2021-2024 (small sample)
Year by year
| Model year | Index | Compared with average | Complaints | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 194 | 1.9× the average car's complaints | 2 | 2,411 |
| 2022 | 694 | 6.9× the average car's complaints | 37 | 9,322 |
| 2023 | 404 | 4× the average car's complaints | 24 | 10,350 |
| 2024 | 248 | 2.5× the average car's complaints | 18 | 12,903 |
Top problems
- electrical: 40% of complaints
- backup camera: 30% of complaints
- battery and drive system: 9% of complaints
- wipers and visibility: 9% of complaints
Fire complaints: 0 (0.0 per 100,000 sold; all EVs average 0.8). EV fires vs gas →
Range and yearly cost
| EPA range (2023) | 247–270 miles |
| Electricity use | 31–36 kWh per 100 miles |
| Yearly charging cost (EPA) | $700–$800 |
| Volvo S60, yearly gas cost | $2,650–$2,850 |
| Saves per year | about $2,000 |
EPA estimate: 15,000 miles a year at national average prices. Every EV's cost →
Recalls
7 recalls for model years 2021-2024. The newest:
- back over prevention Sep 2025
The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. NHTSA 25V615000 - brakes Jul 2025
In certain driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using "One Pedal Drive," the vehicle may lose brake function. NHTSA 25V409000 - back over prevention Apr 2025
The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. NHTSA 25V280000 - airbags Dec 2024
The clamps may be improperly crimped on the driver's side inner far side air bag module (FSAB), which can cause the air bag to deploy improperly. NHTSA 24V939000 - equipment Jun 2024
The Infotainment Head Unit (IHU) software may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. NHTSA 24V477000 - suspension Jul 2023
The front left lower ball joint may have been incorrectly installed, allowing the control arm to disconnect from the steering knuckle. NHTSA 23V476000 - electrical Feb 2021
The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) microprocessor may reset and cause the high voltage system to disconnect. NHTSA 21V110000
Complaints filed with NHTSA by the end of the year after the model year. Sales are Kelley Blue Book estimates for every brand (Tesla doesn't report U.S. sales by model). These scores use a shorter window than the main Lemon Index (complaints filed by the end of the year after the model year), so brand-new EVs like the Cybertruck get a fair, complete window. That's why a Tesla's score here differs a little from its main car page. Sales source: KBB (2021-22); Wikipedia, citing Polestar (2023-24).